What is the difference between primary and secondary markets?

The distinction between primary and secondary markets is fundamental to understanding how securities are issued and traded. The primary market is where securities are created. This is the arena in which companies issue new stocks or bonds to raise capital for various purposes, such as expansion or development. When investors purchase securities in the primary market, they are buying them directly from the issuer.

In contrast, the secondary market is where existing securities are bought and sold among investors. It does not involve the original issuer of the security. Instead, it allows current holders of the securities to sell them to other buyers, thereby providing liquidity and enabling investors to buy and sell shares without needing to directly interact with the company that issued them. This distinction underscores the flow of capital; new issuances happen in the primary market, while existing securities are traded in the secondary market, contributing to overall market efficiency and accessibility.